Five factor analyses with limitations explored
the Suicidal Intent Scale (SIS) subscales reflecting
suicidal behavior dimensions. This larger sample study
conducts an exploratory factor analysis of the SIS. Two
large samples of suicide attempters (N= 435 and
N= 252) from a general hospital were studied. The validity
of SIS subscales obtained from the factor analysis
was investigated by examining the association between
the subscales and clinical variables. There were two factors:
expected lethality and planning. In both samples,
male gender and depression tended to be associated
with higher scores in both subscales (small to medium
effect sizes). Hospitalization was associated with higher
scores in both SIS subscales (medium to large effects)
suggesting that these subscales were reasonably good
predictors of suicide attempt severity. Clinicians assessing
patient reports to establish the severity of suicide attempts
need to ask questions regarding both dimensions:
expected lethality and planning.